Cardiff • Carlsbad • Del Mar/Carmel Valley Encinitas • Oceanside • Solana Beach
Cardiff San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve & Nature Center 2710 Manchester Ave. www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/ en/park-pages/SanElijo.html A peaceful spot to stroll, run, hike or bike easy-to-moderate trails, some of which are paved. Great for bird watching. Stop by the Nature Center to learn the history of the reserve. Ask about TRACK Trails, a naturethemed scavenger hunt for kids.
Carlsbad Batiquitos Lagoon & Nature Center 7380 Gabbiano Ln. www.batiquitoslagoon.org Explore coastal wetlands on a stroller-friendly trail along the north shore. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and learn about different species that inhabit the lagoon. Ask about guided walks and nature presentations. Carlsbad Lagoon 4215 Harrison St. www.carlsbadlagoon.com Spend a day on the water! Available rentals include WaveRunners, standup paddleboards, single or tandem kayaks, pontoons and swan pedal boats (great for a family of four).
Green Dragon Tavern & Museum 6115 Paseo Del Norte www.greendragontavernca.com/ museum Historic restaurant and free museum inspired by the original 18th-century Green Dragon Tavern in Boston. Visitors get a look at the architecture, historical artifacts and culture of Colonial America.
enthusiasts. Visitors enjoy kidfriendly rides, shows, attractions and a water park (additional admission). Check out San Diego landmarks in Miniland USA and the revamped Driving School where kids master the rules of the road to earn their first driver’s license. Go for the day or plan an overnight stay at one of two on-site LEGO-themed hotels.
K1 Speed Indoor Kart Racing 6212 Corte Del Abeto www.k1speed.com The original K1 Speed racetrack has “sister” locations in Chula Vista and Downtown San Diego. Take on friends and family in thrilling head-tohead racing competition! Must be at least 48” tall for kart racing.
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park 6200 Flying Leo Carrillo Ln. www.carrillo-ranch.org/visit Spanish-style ranch built by Hollywood actor and preservationist Leo Carrillo. Visitor center, select buildings and exhibits are open intermittently for self-guided tours. Free guided walking tours on weekends.
Kids & Coffee 2310 Camino Vida Roble #101 www.kidsandcoffee.love This new 12,000-square-foot indoor playground is designed with kids and parents in mind. The nature-inspired play area features soft play zones, mini grocery store, gigantic ball pit, slides and more. Reservations only. LEGOLAND California One Legoland Dr. www.legoland.com/california Everything is awesome at this playful theme park built for LEGO
28 • SD Family’s Out&About 2025/2026 • North County Coastal
Museum of Making Music 5790 Armada Dr. www.museumofmakingmusic.org Learn about the music industry in two interactive rooms, one for kids and one for adults. Get hands-on with instruments, try the live mixing station and more. Closed Mondays and holidays. SEA LIFE Aquarium at LEGOLAND One Legoland Dr. www.visitsealife.com/california An immersive underwater oasis
Photo courtesy of @MyMommyWife_Life
North County Coastal